BHcare holds block party in downtown Ansonia

ANSONIA - Nearly 400 people gathered at BHcare’s Community Block Party May 29 in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. 

Face painting fun / Contributed photo

The organization’s grounds were transformed into a Country & Western Corral as attendees donned cowboy hats and danced to country music provided by DJ Phyllis Kaplan.  

Men, women, and children of all ages enjoyed games, crafts, limbo, hula hoop contests, and Touch a Truck sponsored by Webster Hose Fire Company of Ansonia.

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti presented BHcare’s President/CEO Roberta Cook, with a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Month. He called upon the Ansonia community to recommit to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and the need to provide appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.

Mayor David Cassetti and BHcare CEO Roberta Cook / Contributed photo

The event also celebrated and acknowledged the City of Ansonia’s 125th anniversary and Cook congratulated  Cassetti on this special milestone.

BHcare thanks all the sponsors and donors who contributed to the event: Adam’s Hometown Market, Derby; Ansonia Rod & Gun Club; Beacon Valley Greenhouse; Eddy’s Bake Shop; Natalie Feingold; Gloria Hollo; Home Depot, Derby; Joan Kayser; Lock, Stock & Barrel, Bethany; Steve & Christine Guarrera; Jack O’Donnell; Mustang Sally’s, Ansonia; My Sister’s Place; and Subway.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. 

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.

'Twas a perfect day for Ansonia's Memorial Day Parade

All is quiet at the reviewing stand in front of Ansonia City Hall before the start of Sunday's Memorial Day Parade.

The Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps' Color Guard pauses in front of City Hall ...

as does the Ansonia High School Marching Band. At left is AHS music teacher Maria Tangredi.

 

Derby Historical Society docents represent the Ansonia-based organization.

 

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, left, reads a proclamation on the steps of City Hall. Sixth Ward Alderman Patrick Henri, a Navy veteran, joins him. 

St. Peter's  Drum Corps of Torrington shows its colors in front of the reviewing stand.

 

This patriotic pony was a crowd pleaser.

Public works employees made sure Veterans Park next to City Hall was filled with red, white, and blue spirit.

 

Ansonia mayor to unveil plans for former housing complex

Public forum slated May 29 at AHS

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti is poised to propose his vision for the redevelopment of the former Riverside Drive housing complex, according to a press release from his office this morning. 

The announcement will be made at a public forum at 6 p.m. May 29 in the library of Ansonia High School, 20 Pulaski Highway.

“It is crucial that the redevelopment of the site serve the best interests of Ansonia and its residents,”  Cassetti said.  “I have put much thought into a plan for revitalization of the property and I am very excited to finally share my vision with the public.”

While the mayor is saving details of the project for the forum, he has shared the guiding principles of the planned redevelopment.   

“A dual commitment to security and community forms the cornerstone of this revitalization effort,” Cassetti said. “I believe this project will have a significant and profoundly positive impact on Ansonia’s future.”

Sheila O’Malley, Ansonia’s newly-appointed Economic Development Director, has said the mayor’s vision manages to address “a variety of Ansonia’s needs” in a single redevelopment plan.  “Without giving anything away, I believe that the response to the mayor’s proposal will be very well received because of how many interests it serves,” she said. 

“It is part economic development, part community development," O'Malley said. "This is a mixed use redevelopment plan that represents a strong commitment to the health and safety of the entire city.”

The mayor’s announcement will be made in tandem with officials from the Ansonia Housing Authority, who will present their own plans for redevelopment at the site.  
“Essentially you will see an outline of several separate projects that together constitute a well-integrated revitalization plan,” O’Malley said.

“This will certainly be a long-term project,” Cassetti cautioned.  “It will also take the input and support of our entire community to succeed,” he said. 
 “The plan unveiled will by no means be final,” Cassetti added.  “There will be room to adjust and grow based on the input of both officials and residents as the process moves forward.” 

 “May 29 will be the start of a very exciting dialogue in Ansonia,” Cassetti said.  “I am eager to kick things off.”


This post is taken from a press release from the mayor's office.

Restaurant opens in downtown Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, left, congratulates Ansonia native Joe Mastersanti, owner of The Pantry on East Main Street. /Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti Thursday announced the opening of “The Pantry”, a breakfast and lunch venue at 384 E. Main St. 

I am excited to announce another new business in our downtown," Cassetti said. "The Pantry is a welcomed addition to Ansonia. With Mustang Sally’s (a restaurant and bar) right next door, the two businesses will work together to support one another. I encourage and invite other new business owners to explore Ansonia and see what we have to offer.” 

The Pantry is owned and operated by Joe Mastersanti, a 23-year Executive Chef, honor student and graduate of Emmett O’BrienTechnical High School and recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

Mastersanti and his family are originally from Ansonia. 

The Pantry currently employs nine people. The restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh, homemade breakfast and lunch items including omelets, burritos, French toast, sandwiches, burgers, Philly cheese steaks and Joe’s famous giant pancake.

“I challenge anyone to finish my pancake. It’s a large as a pizza and if you can finish the whole thing, your name will go up on our wall,” Mastersanti said.

The Pantry will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m.-4 p.m.

“I had breakfast there this morning and the food is outstanding,” Cassetti said.


This is a press release from Mayor David S. Cassetti's office.

Ansonia to host open house at WPCA plant

Ansonia WPCA plant. / Contributed photo

ANSONIA - The city will hold an open house from 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) for the public to see the new plant and ask questions. 

The WPCA is located at the City Complex at the end of North Division Street. 

Rain date will be 9:30 a.m.-noon Sunday. 

For information contact the mayor's office, 203-736-5900. 

This is a press release from Mayor David S. Cassetti's office.

Wooden signs raise funds for Ansonia’s 125th celebration

Alderman Patrick Henri works Monday on Ansonia signs.

By Patricia Villers, New Haven Register

Posted: 04/28/14, 8:29 PM EDT

Signs for Ansonia's 125th.

ANSONIA >> For more than a month, Sixth Ward Alderman Patrick Henri has been busy creating a centerpiece for commemorations of Ansonia’s 125th anniversary.

The city was founded in 1889. It is named after industrialist Anson G. Phelps, who lived from 1781-1853 when Ansonia was a borough of Derby.
Henri has been putting together 10, two-sided wooden signs featuring white letters painted on blue and blue letters on white to spell out ANSONIA 125.

He said he was grateful to the students in the carpentry and manufacturing technology departments at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School who worked on the project.
“The carpentry shop made the frames of the backdrops and the bases on wheels and manufacturing technology (students) made the letters,” Henri said Monday evening as he rolled blue paint onto the cut-out letters.

Mayor David S. Cassetti stopped by Henri’s home to check the progress of the project and commended Henri’s hard work. “It’s good we can celebrate the city’s 125th in style, with all the festivities this year,” Cassetti said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
So far there are 10 sponsors for the letters and numbers, Henri said, and there are 10 spaces left.
Each of the wooden structures will have two sponsors, and each sponsor will get an ad placed under a character on a 1-foot-by-2-foot placard, he said.
Sponsorships are $250 each, which helps pay for the signs as well as give Ansonia 125 organizers “some seed money for events,” Henri said.

“This will be a centerpiece at events throughout the year commemorating Ansonia’s 125th anniversary, including the Memorial Day Parade and Harvest Fest (in October),” Henri said.
He will take the centerpiece to its first event Wednesday when the U.S. Navy Band and the Navy Submarine School Silver Dolphins Drill Team perform at 12:30 p.m. at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, 141 Prindle Ave.

Have questions, feedback or ideas about our coverage? Connect directly with the editors of the New Haven Register at AsktheRegister.com.

Ansonia mayor gives thumbs up to project

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, left, stopped by Monday evening to check the progress of an 'Ansonia 125' centerpiece project spearheaded by Sixth Ward Alderman Patrick Henri, right. The two are in Henri's driveway.
The centerpiece will be a focal point at upcoming 'Ansonia 125' events, Henri said. 
Stay tuned for a story in the New Haven Register.

Schools to mark Ansonia founder's birthday

ANSONIA - As part of a year-long celebration of Ansonia's 125th Anniversary, city schools will be commemorating the birthday of Ansonia's founder, Anson Phelps, Monday with historically themed activities. 

Mayor David S. Cassetti will read a proclamation for the day.  ANSONIA 125 event coordinator Melissa Torres invites residents and businesses to help celebrate Anson's birthday by dressing or decorating in blue and white for the day. 
Blue and white are Ansonia High School's colors.

My Sister's Place is holding a store special in honor of the celebration: $1.25 for all blue and white clothing items March 24, excluding boutique.
My Sister's Place is a thrift shop at 380 Main St. All of its proceeds benefit The Umbrella program for victims of domestic violence run by BHcare.

Churches have been requested to ring their bells or sound their chimes at 6 p.m. Monday. 
Any organizations interested in hosting a special event for the ANSONIA 125 celebrations throughout the year may contact Torres at meltorres20@gmail.com.


This post is taken from a press release from Ansonia resident Melissa Torres. 

Ansonia mayor's home to get energy assessment

I'm heading out in a little while to Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti's house to observe an energy assessment.

It is being conducted by Energize Connecticut’s Home Energy Solution’s program to improve his home’s energy performance.

Ansonia is a Clean Energy Community and the City receives points and potential grants for every home that participates in the program.

I'll be (attempting) to Live Tweet this at https://twitter.com/nhrvalley.

Thanks and stay tuned. 


 

Cassetti enjoys maple fest at Ansonia Nature Center

Mayor David S. Cassetti and Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center Director Alison Rubelmann taste sap from a maple tree at the nature center. / Photo by Ansonia Alderman Lorie Vaccaro

ANSONIA - Alison Rubelmann, Ansonia Nature Center director, Saturday taps a maple tree to collect sap to make maple syrup during the Center's annual Maple Festival.
It takes 40 gallons of sap, to be boiled down to make one gallon of pure maple syrup.

The event was a huge success, based on the number of participants.
Rubelmann led a group of children and adults and demonstrated the process of tapping maple trees, using a hand drill.

Mayor David S. Cassetti and others tasted the sap as it flowed out of the trees. It was an educational, and fun time for all.


This is taken from a press release from Cassetti's office.

Ansonia mayor reschedules 'night out'

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti will hold his first 'Mayor's Night Out' and Block Watch meeting with residents at 6:30 p.m. March  4 at the Ansonia Rescue Medical Services building, 22 W. Main St.

The public is invited.

This event was rescheduled from Feb. 18 due to inclement weather.



This is a press release from the mayor's office.

Lifelong Ansonia resident honored Thursday

Ansonia 'Mayor for the Day' Alfonso Smith, 90, talks to members of the media Thursday in Mayor David S. Cassetti's office at City Hall. 
Stay tuned for a story in the New Haven Register.

Ansonia mayor sends season's greetings

A holiday message:

 "I would like to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

"We are entering the New Year on a high note. Last Saturday our community shared a joint parade between our National Championship Cheerleading squads and our Number 1
ranked high school football team.

"As we celebrate this holiday season, we should focus on what we have and the
accomplishments we can be proud of. Enjoy the time you spend with family and friends, but
do not forget about your neighbor who might be alone this holiday season. I believe the
holiday season is about sharing joy and blessings.

"My family and all of the dedicated City Hall staff wish you joy and happiness throughout the
season and New Year.

"I see great things on the horizon for Ansonia and I am looking forward to making 2014 a
wonderful year for our residents."

 - Mayor David S. Cassetti